Adjustable conveyor belt guiderail and related methods

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first guiderail for at least partially forming a conveying path for articles on the conveyor. A guiderail adjuster includes a flexible or collapsible support, which make take the form of a linkage, and which provides support for the first guiderail along the conveyor. The flexible or collapsible support is adapted for being extended and retracted along a support rail extending in the conveying direction to selectively position the first guiderail relative to the conveyor, and thereby alter (increase or decrease) the width of the conveying path. Related methods are also disclosed.

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. Nos. 62/508,700, filed May 19, 2017, 62/550,023, filedAug. 25, 2017 and is a National Stage of PCT/US2018/033665 filed on May21, 2018, the disclosures of which are fully incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to the article conveying arts and, inparticular, to an adjustable conveyor belt guiderail and relatedmethods.

BACKGROUND

Conveyors typically have rails positioned along each side of theconveyor chain or belt to guide an article along a conveying path.Articles travel between the rails, which are positioned to ensure thatthe articles remain on the conveying path. When a larger or smallerarticle is conveyed, or the width of the conveying path otherwise needsto be adjusted to accommodate an increased or reduced article flow, theguiderails must be adjusted to fit the situation.

Conventional guiderail adjustment systems use extending guide rods,which support a bracket attached to the guiderail. When the guiderailsneed to be adjusted, the rods can be moved along the brackets, which istypically manually done. These guide rods also protrude outwardly awayfrom the conveyor and into the surrounding area, thus increasing theoverall width and footprint of the conveyor. The guiderails includingrigid rods also create an unappealing look, since the extended portionsof the rods project from the conveyor sides.

Accordingly, a need is identified for an adjustable guiderail thatovercomes the foregoing limitations and possibly others that have yet tobe realized.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus for supporting aguiderail for guiding one or more articles being conveyed along aconveyor in a conveying direction is provided. The apparatus comprises asupport rail and at least one adjuster for adjusting the position of theguiderail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to theconveying direction. The at least one adjuster comprises a collapsiblesupport for engaging the support rail and supporting the guiderail. Theat least one collapsible support is adapted for being extended andretracted to selectively position the guiderail relative to the supportrail.

In one embodiment, the collapsible support comprises a pair of armsconnected for relative pivoting movement at one end, and each connectedto a shuttle for engaging the support rail at another end. The arms maybe pivotably connected to a connector, which may include a receiveradapted for receiving a portion of the guiderail. The connector includesan extension for engaging the support rail to prevent the pair of armsfrom reaching a locked position.

Each shuttle comprises a retainer for engaging the support rail. Eachshuttle may include at least one roller for rotatably engaging thesupport rail. An actuator may be provided for actuating the movement ofthe shuttles along the support rail toward each other to extend theguiderail and away from each other to retract the guiderail. Theactuator may comprise a cable, and each shuttle may comprise a clamp forclamping the shuttle to either a forward run of the cable or a returnrun of the cable. The support rail may support one or more pulleys forguiding the cable, and a motor may be provided for moving the cable toand fro along an endless path.

According to a further aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus forsupporting a first guiderail for guiding one or more articles beingconveyed along a conveyor in a conveying direction is provided. Theapparatus comprises a first collapsible support for supporting the firstguiderail, the first collapsible support adapted for being extended andretracted to selectively position the first guiderail. A first actuatoris provided for actuating the first collapsible support for extending orretracting the guiderail.

The first actuator comprises a cable in one embodiment, but may take theform of any flexible connector (such as a ribbon, tape, chain, or thelike). The first collapsible support includes a shuttle adapted forconnecting to either a forward run of the cable or a return run of thecable. A pulley is provided for guiding the cable, as is a motor formoving the cable to and fro in an endless path.

The apparatus may include a plurality of first collapsible supports forsupporting the first guiderail. In such case, the actuator is forsimultaneously actuating each support for extending or retracting thefirst guiderail.

A second guiderail may also provided for guiding the one or morearticles being conveyed along the conveyor in the conveying direction,along with a second collapsible support for supporting the secondguiderail. The second collapsible support may be adapted for beingextended and retracted to selectively position the second guiderailrelative to the first guiderail. The second collapsible support may beactuated by the first actuator, or a second actuator for extending orretracting the second guiderail independent of the first guiderail. Thefirst actuator may be adapted for actuating the first collapsiblesupport for forming a first zone on the conveyor having a first widthand the second actuator is adapted for actuating the second collapsiblesupport for forming a second zone on the conveyor having a second widthdifferent from the first width.

Still a further aspect of the disclosure pertains to an apparatus forsupporting a guiderail for guiding one or more articles being conveyedalong a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus comprises asupport for supporting the guiderail, the support comprising a flexiblejoint. The support comprises a linkage, which may include first andsecond arms pivotally connected to a connector for forming the flexiblejoint. Each of the first and second arms may be adapted for translatingalong a support rail extending in the conveying direction. The connectormay also be adapted for engaging the guiderail (fixedly or slidably). Anactuator may also be provided for actuating the support to move theguiderail to and fro in a direction transverse to the conveyingdirection.

A further aspect of this disclosure pertains to a guiderail for aconveyor. The guiderail comprises a first guiderail portion having afirst leg extending in a conveying direction and a second guiderailportion having a second leg extending in the conveying direction, thefirst and second legs being captured by at least one receiver. The firstand second legs may overlap in a vertical direction.

This disclosure also pertains to a method for adjusting the width of aconveying path on a conveyor having a conveying direction. The methodmay comprise actuating a flexible support to extend and retract aguiderail in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. Theflexible support may comprise first and second arms having a flexiblejoint at one end, and the actuating step comprises moving the first andsecond arms together from a greater angle to a reduced angle to causethe flexible joint to extend the guiderail. The actuating step may alsocomprise moving the first and second arms apart from a reduced angle toa greater angle to cause the flexible joint to retract the guiderail.The actuation may be manual or automatic.

This disclosure also pertains to a method for adjusting a width of aconveying path on a conveyor having a conveying direction. The methodcomprises supporting a guiderail by way of a plurality of flexiblesupports, and actuating a single actuator to simultaneously actuate theplurality of flexible supports to extend or retract the guiderail forcontrolling the width of the conveying path. The actuating step maycomprise moving a cable connected to the flexible supports in an endlesspath.

The flexible supports may each comprise a pair of arms. Each arm may beconnected to a shuttle for engaging a support rail extending generallyparallel to the guiderail. The actuating step may comprise moving theshuttles together or apart along the support rail to extend or retractthe flexible supports and hence the guiderail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

The accompanying drawing figures incorporated herein and forming a partof the specification, illustrate several aspects of the disclosedinventions and, together with the textual description, serve to explaincertain principles thereof. In the drawing figures:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a single conveyorguiderail adjuster according to one embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the adjuster of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, are top, rear, and bottom views of the adjuster ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the adjuster of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are left and right side views of the adjuster of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a collapsible guiderail support formingpart of the adjuster of FIGS. 1-8;

FIG. 9A is an exploded view illustrating a manner of connecting an armto one of the supports (shuttles) for pivoting movement;

FIG. 9B is a top view of the assembled configuration of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 9C is a cross-sectional view of the arrangement of FIG. 9A whenassembled, taken along line 9C-9C of FIG. 9B;

FIGS. 10 and 11 are top views of the support of FIG. 9 in an extendedand retracted condition;

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the support of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a shuttle for connecting to the supportfor manual operation;

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view of the shuttle of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a shuttle for connecting to the supportfor automated operation;

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the shuttle of FIG. 15;

FIG. 16A is a partially cross-sectional top view of the shuttle of FIG.15;

FIG. 17 is a side view illustrating aspects of an actuator for actuatingthe adjustable guiderail support;

FIG. 18 illustrates a tensioner for a cable forming part of the actuatorfor the adjustable support;

FIGS. 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 illustrate alternative forms of actuators;

FIGS. 24, 25, and 26 illustrate a system comprising two opposedguiderails associated with a plurality of adjusters;

FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate various aspects of an extendable guiderail;

FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate guides for guiding an endless cable along acurved section of a support rail for the adjusters; and

FIGS. 32, 33, and 34 are schematic views illustrating the creation ofvarious zones using the adjustable guiderails according to thedisclosure.

Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferredembodiments of an adjustable guiderail for a conveyor, examples of whichare illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-9, one possible embodiment of a guiderailadjuster 10 forming one aspect of the invention is illustrated. Asillustrated, the adjuster 10 may be adapted to connect with a guiderail12 for guiding articles along a conveying path and in a conveyingdirection D (see, e.g., FIG. 19). The guiderail 12 may be supported by asupport 14 forming a part of the adjuster 10, which may be flexible orcollapsible (that is, able to be folded into a more compact shape). Theadjuster 10 including the support 14 is thus capable of extending orretracting the guiderail 12 to change the relative position of theconveying path, without increasing the overall width of the associatedconveyor in a transverse direction as a result of the adjustment.

In one embodiment, the support 14 may comprise links in the form offirst and second supports or arms 16, 18 connected to each other. Thearms 16, 18 are rigid in the vertical direction, but pivotally connectedat their inner end portions, such as by a connector 20. The arms 16, 18and connector 20 thus create a linkage (which may be in the form of atwo bar linkage, but other forms could be used).

At the opposite end, each arm 16, 18 is connected to a structural partdesigned to reduce or eliminate friction or provide support or bearing.In the illustrated embodiment, this structure takes the form of amovable bolster or shuttle 22, 24 adapted to frictionally (by sliding orrolling) engage an elongated support rail 26, which extends generallyparallel with the guiderail 12 in the conveying direction D.Consequently, these connections and the relative movement establishedallow for flexing or collapsing of the support 14 in a directiontransverse to the conveying direction D.

The support 14 is also adapted to connect with the guiderail 12. In theillustrated embodiment, this is achieved by providing the connector 20with one or more receivers, such as clips 20 a, 20 b (which as discussedin further detail below may provide engagement such that the guiderail12 is fixed in position, or may be arranged to allow for relativesliding movement). As can be appreciated from FIG. 6, the arrangement issuch that the overall adjuster 10 has a very low vertical profile, witha height only slightly greater than the height of the guiderail 12. Ascan be seen in FIGS. 1-8, an optional cover 28 may also be provided(removed in FIG. 9), which may engage the support rail 26 and provide ameasure of protection for the movable parts of the adjuster 10, butwithout interfering with their relative movement and operation.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 12, the nature of the pivoted connectionof the arms 16, 18 forming the support 14 for the guiderail in oneembodiment is shown. Each arm 16, 18 may be provided with a trunnion 16a, 18 a, the ends of which are received and rotatably captured withinupper and lower receivers 20 c on either side of the connector 20.However, alternative configurations could be used, such as a simplehinge (with a mechanical pin or a living hinge). In any case, movementof the shuttles 22, 24 along the support rail 26 towards each othercauses the connector 20, and hence, the associated guiderail (not shown)to move along an adjacent conveying surface in a direction transverse tothe conveying direction. The movement is considered a flexible one, inthat the pivoting of the arms 16,18 relative to the connection allowsflexing of the flexible joint thus formed. Likewise, movement of theshuttles 22, 24 in the opposite direction (farther away from each other)causes the arms 16, 18 to flex relative to each other (and connector 20)and thereby retract the guiderail 12.

Allowing the arms 16, 18 forming the linkage to reach a “bottomed out”(β=180 degrees or more) and potentially locked position may beundesirable (especially when the actuation of the adjusters 10 isautomated, as compared to manual). Thus, as can be appreciated fromFIGS. 10 and 11, this condition may be avoided by providing the side ofthe connector 20 opposite the guiderail 12 with a protrusion orextension 20 d projecting transverse to the conveying direction, whichthus serves to define the maximum flexing of the joint formed betweenthe arms 16, 18. This protrusion or extension 20 d of the connector 20may be sized and positioned to engage the support rail 26 in the fullycollapsed position of the linkage, and thus prevent it from bottomingout and becoming locked in position. Of course, the protrusion couldalso be provided on one or both of the arms 16, 18, or even on thesupport rail 26, to achieve a similar result.

As can be appreciated with reference to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, by way ofbeing selectively extended or retracted, the support 14 creates anenhanced level of adjustability for an associated guiderail 12. Theadjustments may be achieved in an easy and efficient manner, and withoutremarkably increasing the footprint of the overall conveyor system.Specifically, extending or retracting the support 14 allows theguiderail 12 pivotally attached thereto by virtue of connector 20 to beconfigured to provide a variable width conveying path for a number ofdifferently sized articles to be conveyed. For example, when a smallersized article is desired to be conveyed, the guiderail 12 need only bemoved in an inward or inboard direction I transverse to the conveyingdirection D, thereby causing it to collapse in this direction (and thuscausing the flexible joint to assume an acute angle α, such as forexample as little as 5 degrees in the illustrated example, and possiblylower in the event the arms 16, 18 may be arranged parallel to eachother)). In other words, the arms 16, 18 move from a position where therelative angle between them is greater to one in which it is reduced orsmaller. This narrows the conveying path, and thus allows for a readilycustomizable arrangement for guiding a variety of differently sizedarticles.

Likewise, if it is desired to convey a larger sized article/object orotherwise extend the width of the conveying path relative to theunderlying conveyor, the guiderail 12 need only be moved in an outwardor outboard direction O transverse to the conveying direction D (andthereby flexing the joint so as to create a large, obtuse angle βbetween the arms 16, 18, which may be up to but not including 180degrees, and as shown is limited by the presence of the protrusion 20 dto prevent a lock out condition). In other words, the arms 16, 18 movefrom a position where the relative angle between them is smaller to onein which it is greater. In all cases, it can be appreciated that no rodor like structure projecting outwardly from the support rail 26, andthus the overall width of the arrangement does not change as a result ofthe extension or retraction. The resulting conveyor system may thus havea smaller footprint than would otherwise be the case if transverselyextending rods and corresponding mounts were utilized.

The adjustment of the support 14 may be manually or automatically done.In the manual version, and with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, eachshuttle 22, 24 may be provided with a retainer 30 for use in selectivelyengaging the support rail 26 and thereby holding the shuttle in thedesired position. In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 30comprises a post 32 supporting a pivotally mounted lever 34, such as byway of snap-fit engagement with a clip 32 a. The inside of the lever 34includes a wedge 36, which is sized and positioned for not engaging therail 26 in one position, but frictionally engaging it in a differentposition (note positions 34′ (free) and 34″ in FIG. 9 (retained)).Opposed plates 38, 40 may be retained by a fastener F to hold the post32 in position, and each plate 38, 40 may include a guide 42 forslidably receiving a portion of the support rail 26. The plates 38, 40may also include apertures 38 a, 40 a for receiving a correspondingfastener (such as a keyway plug 16 c; see FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C)depending from a proximal end of each arm 16, 18 for pivotallyconnecting the ends of the arms 16, 18 with the shuttles 22, 24.

As can be appreciated, by disengaging the retainer 30 using lever 34,the associated shuttle 24 is free to move to and fro, such as bysliding, along the support rail 26, and thereby extend or retract thesupport 14 and, hence, the associated guiderail 12. When a position isreached corresponding to the desired extension or retraction of theguiderail 12, the retainer 30 may be reactivated to establish fixedengagement with the support rail 26. As can be appreciated, it is onlynecessary to move one of the shuttles 22, 24 to achieve the desiredextension or retraction of the guiderail 12 in view of the collapsiblenature of the support 14 created by the pivotably connected arms 16, 18.

The shuttles 22, 24 may also be readily adapted to work in an automatedenvironment. Specifically, at least one, and potentially each shuttle22, 24 may be adapted to engage an actuator for causing movement to andfro along the support rail 26, depending on the degree of actuation, andthus extending or retracting the arms 16, 18. As shown in FIG. 17, theactuator may comprise a connector for connecting with the shuttles 22,24, such as a flexible cable 44. The cable 44 may extend over pulleys 46at each end (only one shown in FIG. 17 mounted to one end of the supportrail 16, but the arrangement would essentially be the same as shown atthe opposite end of the support rail 26; see, e.g., FIG. 19). Thearrangement thus forms an endless loop (which may be associated withplural adjusters 10, as outlined further in the following description).

To cause the cable 44 to traverse the endless path, it may be entrainedaround a driver, such as capstan 48, which may be associated with amotor 50 (e.g., a servomotor) also forming part of the actuator in thisembodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, the cable 44 may also be provided witha tensioner, such as a turnbuckle 44 a, to allow for the tension to beadjusted as necessary or desired.

In this example, and with reference to FIG. 16, each plate 38, 40 may beprovided with a retainer 52 for selectively engaging the cable 44. Theretainer 52 may comprise a clamp in the form of a pivotable cam 54 (onlyupper one shown in FIG. 16), but could take other forms as well (e.g., abolt with a flange for capturing a portion of the cable 44 against acorresponding surface of the shuttle). The cam 54 may be journaled on areduced diameter end 56 a of a post 56, which may be held in place by afastener F.

In the illustrated example, and with reference to FIGS. 16 and 16A, thecam 54 includes an enlarged, rounded inner face 54 a for engaging andpressing the cable into engagement with a frictionally enhanced portion55 of the plate 38, 40 (which may be identical, but inverted; in otherwords, plate 38 is identical in form to plate 40 in FIG. 16, so it canbe understood that the upper plate includes frictionally enhancedportion 55), and a free end 54 b adapted for tactile engagement formovement between the hold and release position. A lock, such as aremovable locking tab 58 with flexible legs for engaging a projection 58a in a snap fit engagement, may also be provided for engaging and fixingthe cam 54 in the locked or closed condition, thus engaging the cable(shown in phantom line in FIG. 16A). A roller or pulley 60 may berotatably journaled at the opposite, reduced diameter end 56 b of post56 (upper when the cam 54 is at the lower plate 38; lower when the cam54 is at the upper plate 38, as shown in FIG. 16).

As can be appreciated, the cable 44 has a forward run and a return runin view of the endless loop established. By connecting one shuttle 22 tothe upper run using the clamp (cam 54) located as shown in FIG. 16, andconnecting the other shuttle 24 to the return run using a clamp (cam 54on plate 40, as per FIG. 16A) at a corresponding location, actuationusing a single actuator thus causes the shuttles 22, 24 to move towardor away from each other, thereby flexing the joint of the support 14created by arms 16, 18 and extending or retracting the guiderail 12. Thealternate run of the cable 44 that is not fixed to the shuttle 22, 24simply engages the roller/pulley 60, and thus does not impede therelative movement.

With continued reference to FIG. 16, each shuttle 22, 24 may also beprovided with rollers 62 to create low-friction engagement with thesupport rail 16. The rollers 62 may comprise individual rollers 62 aconnected to the plates 38, 40 by fasteners 64 and arranged for engagingan outer face of the support rail 16, as well as rollers 62 b journaledin the plates 38, 40 for engaging the inside face of the support rail16. As can be appreciated, the spaced rollers 62 a allow for a portionof the rail 16 to pass for engaging and supporting the cover 28.

Alternative forms of actuation are possible, which advantageously mayuse a single actuator for activating plural adjusters 10 for adjustingthe width of the conveying path. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, theconnector, such as cable 44, may be associated with a rack 66, which isarranged for engaging a rotatable pinion 68. In view of the endlessnature of the cable 44, and the corresponding connections with theshuttles 22, 24 as described above, actuation of the pinion 68 in onedirection causes the simultaneous actuation of plural adjusters 10. Thisadvances the guiderail 12 (shown as two disconnected portions withphantom portion for purposes of illustration) in the transversedirection T of the conveyor C (which as indicated has a conveying path Pformed by a conveying surface (chain or belt B) in the conveyingdirection D, and note reduced width path P′ as a result of the advanceof the guiderail 12 in the transverse direction). Specifically, rotatingthe pinion in a clockwise direction moves the rack to the right in FIG.19, and in view of the connection of the forward run of the cable 44with shuttles 22 of each guiderail adjuster 10, and the return run withshuttles 24, causes the advancement illustrated. Reversing the directionof rotation of pinion 68 causes the opposite movement to occur.

The actuation of the adjusters 10 associated with the conveyor C mayagain be manual or automated. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 20-22, a handwheel 70 may be connected to the associated conveyor C and rotated tocause the actuation of one or more of the adjusters 10 (basically, asmany as are connected to a single connector or cable 44, which could beany number (2, 5, 10, 20 or more), depending on the strength of theactuator arrangement used. FIG. 23 illustrates the use of a motor 72(e.g., servomotor) for automated operation.

FIGS. 24-26 illustrate an overview of a possible arrangement of theadjustable guiderail support system 100 incorporating a plurality ofadjusters 10 for use in connection with a conveyor having a conveyingpath (not shown). Opposed inner and outer guiderails 12 a, 12 b areshown for guiding articles (not shown) along the conveying path. Theadjustable guiderail supports 14 a, 14 b are supporting inner guiderail12 a and the adjustable guiderail support 14 c is supporting outerguiderail 12 b. Thus, if it is desired adjust the conveying path width Wto accommodate differently sized articles (or groups thereof), guiderail12 a (along with guiderail supports 14 a, 14 b) and guiderail 12 b(along with guiderail support 14 c and any others present) may be moved.The movement may again be manual or automatic using a single actuator(including cable 44) transverse the conveying direction D along eachsupport rail 26 (with an associated motor, the operation of which may becoordinated by a single controller) in order to widen or narrow theconveying path width W (note smaller width W′ in FIG. 25, and evensmaller width W″ in FIG. 26, which may correspond to a single row ofarticles being conveyed, such as bottles or cans). In such situations,it may be desirable to have the receivers (e.g., clips 20 a, 20 b)firmly engage the guiderail 12 a, 12 b at every other adjuster 10, butslidably engage at others, to allow for the desired extension andretraction.

FIGS. 27-28 illustrate that the guiderail 12 may comprise an extendablejoint 74 comprised of portions, such as legs 12 c, 12 d, having areduced vertical dimension (basically each equal to one half of theoverall guiderail height). These legs 12 c, 12 d may overlie each otheror overlap in a vertical direction, and are slidably received inreceivers 76, which may take the form of C-shaped clamps that allow forrelative movement of the legs (toward a common center during retractionof the guiderail 12 and away from it during extension). The receivers 76thus retain the legs 12 c, 12 d together, yet capable of relativemovement in the conveying direction during extension and retraction ofthe associated guiderail portions. This allows for the guiderail 12 toprovide the desired extension and retraction, such as via supports 14,to accommodate a particular article being conveyed or form a particularconveying path. Hence, one or both of the legs 12 c, 12 d may be curved,but use of the supports 14 in connection with straight portions that areconnected by the extendable joints is also possible. It can also beappreciated from FIG. 28 that the extendable joints 74 allow foropposing guiderails 12 to extend or retract different amounts, which mayoccur when one is associated with an inside curve and the other with anouter curve.

Depending on the size or shape of the underlying conveyor C, it may alsobe desirable to provide a guide intermediate the adjusters 10 forguiding the connector, such as cable 44. As shown in FIGS. 29-31, thismay be achieved using the manual shuttle 22 or 24 of FIGS. 13 and 14,which may be equipped with pulleys 60 for engaging the upper and lowerruns of the cable 44. The shuttles 22, 24 may be selectively positionedusing the associated retainers 30. Stationary brackets 78 may also beprovided with upper and lower guides 78 a, 78 b for guiding therespective runs of the cable 44.

FIGS. 32-33 schematically illustrate a possible application of theadjusters 10 to create zones of different widths in a single conveyor orconveyor system (e.g., comprised of multiple conveyors). As shown inFIG. 32, a first series of adjusters 10 a associated with an underlyingconveyor C may be used to provide an upstream portion of the conveyorwith guiderails 12 a, 12 b spaced farther apart, thus forming a firstzone Z1, and a second series of adjusters 10 b may be used to placedownstream guiderails 12 e, 12 f spaced closer together, thus forming asecond zone Z2. The adjusters 10 a, 10 b may be manually adjusted, orassociated with different actuators (e.g., a cable system, as describedabove). Later in time, as indicated in FIG. 33, the adjusters 10 a, 10 bmay be altered to make the zones Z1, Z2 the same width, or for zone Z2to be wider than zone Z1, as indicated in FIG. 34. As can beappreciated, the material of the guiderails 12 a-12 b may be flexible orinclude flexible interconnections (including the joints 74 describedabove) to allow for the relative movement, which is exaggerated in theschematic figures for purposes of illustration).

This disclosure may be considered to pertain to any or all of theforegoing items, considered alone or in any combination:

1. An apparatus for supporting a guiderail for guiding one or morearticles being conveyed along a conveyor in a conveying direction,comprising:

-   -   a support rail; and    -   at least one adjuster for adjusting the position of the        guiderail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to        the conveying direction, the at least one adjuster comprising a        collapsible support for engaging the support rail and supporting        the guiderail, the at least one collapsible support adapted for        being extended and retracted to selectively position the        guiderail relative to the support rail.

2. The apparatus of item 1, wherein the collapsible support comprises apair of arms connected for relative pivoting movement at one end, andeach connected to a shuttle for engaging the support rail at anotherend.

3. The apparatus of item 2, wherein the arms are pivotably connected toa connector, the connector including a receiver adapted for receiving aportion of the guiderail.

4. The apparatus of item 3, wherein the connector includes an extensionfor engaging the support rail to prevent the pair of arms from reachinga locked position.

5. The apparatus of any of items 2-4, wherein each shuttle comprises aretainer for engaging the support rail.

6. The apparatus of any of items 2-5, wherein each shuttle includes atleast one roller for rotatably engaging the support rail.

7. The apparatus of any of items 2-6, further including an actuator foractuating the movement of the shuttles along the support rail towardeach other to extend the guiderail and away from each other to retractthe guiderail.

8. The apparatus of item 7, wherein the actuator comprises a cable, andeach shuttle comprises a clamp for clamping the shuttle to either aforward run of the cable or a return run of the cable.

9. The apparatus of item 8, wherein the support rail supports a pulleyfor guiding the cable.

10. The apparatus of item 8 or item 9, further including a motor formoving the cable to and fro along an endless path.

11. An apparatus for supporting a first guiderail for guiding one ormore articles being conveyed along a conveyor in a conveying direction,comprising:

-   -   a first collapsible support for supporting the first guiderail,        the first collapsible support adapted for being extended and        retracted to selectively position the first guiderail; and    -   a first actuator for actuating the first collapsible support for        extending or retracting the guiderail.

12. The apparatus of item 11, wherein the first actuator comprises acable.

13. The apparatus of item 12, wherein the first collapsible supportincludes a shuttle adapted for connecting to either a forward run of thecable or a return run of the cable.

14. The apparatus of item 12 or item 13, further including a pulley forguiding the cable.

15. The apparatus of any of items 12-14, further including a motor formoving the cable to and fro in an endless path.

16. The apparatus of any of items 11-15, further including a pluralityof first collapsible supports for supporting the first guiderail, andwherein the actuator is for simultaneously actuating each support forextending or retracting the first guiderail.

17. The apparatus of any of items 11-16, wherein a second guiderail isprovided for guiding the one or more articles being conveyed along theconveyor in the conveying direction, and further comprising a secondcollapsible support for supporting the second guiderail, the secondcollapsible support adapted for being extended and retracted toselectively position the second guiderail relative to the firstguiderail.

18. The apparatus of item 17, wherein the second collapsible support isactuated by the first actuator.

19. The apparatus of any of items 11-18, further including a secondactuator for actuating the second collapsible support for extending orretracting the second guiderail independent of the first guiderail.

20. The apparatus of item 19, wherein the first actuator is adapted foractuating the first collapsible support for forming a first zone on theconveyor having a first width and the second actuator is adapted foractuating the second collapsible support for forming a second zone onthe conveyor having a second width different from the first width.

21. An apparatus for supporting a guiderail for guiding one or morearticles being conveyed along a conveyor in a conveying direction,comprising:

-   -   a support for supporting the guiderail, the support comprising a        flexible joint.

22. The apparatus of item 21, wherein the support comprises a linkage.

23. The apparatus of item 22, wherein the linkage comprises first andsecond arms pivotally connected to a connector for forming the flexiblejoint.

24. The apparatus of item 23, wherein each of the first and second armsis adapted for translating along a support rail extending in theconveying direction.

25. The apparatus of item 22 or item 23, wherein the connector isadapted for engaging the guiderail.

26. The apparatus of any of items 21-25, further including an actuatorfor actuating the support to move the guiderail to and fro in adirection transverse to the conveying direction.

27. A guiderail for a conveyor, comprising a first guiderail portionhaving a first leg extending in a conveying direction and a secondguiderail portion having a second leg extending in the conveyingdirection, the first and second legs being captured by at least onereceiver.

28. The guiderail of item 27, wherein the first and second legs overlapin a vertical direction.

29. The apparatus of any of items 1-26 in combination with the guiderailof item 27 or item 28.

30. A method for adjusting the width of a conveying path on a conveyorhaving a conveying direction, comprising:

-   -   actuating a flexible support to extend and retract a guiderail        in a direction transverse to the conveying direction.

31. The method of item 30, wherein the flexible support comprises firstand second arms having a flexible joint at one end, and the actuatingstep comprises moving the first and second arms together from a greaterangle to a reduced angle to cause the flexible joint to extend theguiderail.

32. The method of item 30 or item 31, wherein the flexible supportcomprises first and second arms having a flexible joint at one end, andthe actuating step comprises moving the first and second arms apart froma reduced angle to a greater angle to cause the flexible joint toretract the guiderail.

33. The method of any of items 30-32, wherein the actuating stepcomprises manually causing the flexible support to expand or retract.

34. The method of any of items 30-32, wherein the actuating stepcomprises automatically causing the flexible support to extend orretract.

34. A method for adjusting a width of a conveying path on a conveyorhaving a conveying direction, comprising:

-   -   supporting a guiderail by way of a plurality of flexible        supports; and    -   actuating a single actuator to simultaneously actuate the        plurality of flexible supports to extend or retract the        guiderail for controlling the width of the conveying path.

35. The method of item 34, wherein the actuating step comprises moving acable connected to the flexible supports in an endless path.

36. The method of item 34 or item 35, wherein the flexible supports eachcomprise a pair of arms, each connected to a shuttle for engaging asupport rail extending generally parallel to the guiderail, and whereinthe actuating step comprises moving the shuttles together or apart alongthe support rail to extend or retract the flexible supports and hencethe guiderail.

The foregoing descriptions of various embodiments of an adjustableguiderail and related methods provide illustration of the inventiveconcepts. The descriptions are not intended to be exhaustive or to limitthe disclosed invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications orvariations are also possible in light of the above teachings. Forinstance, the connector forming a part of the actuator may comprise aflexible ribbon, which may be manually actuated by a lever. While theshuttles 22, 24 are shown as overlying and sliding upon the support rail26, the shuttles could also be recessed within cavities in the supportrail 26, while still functioning as shuttles. The shuttles may also takedifferent forms, such as for example elongated flexible ribbonsconnected to the arms 16, 18 and designed to move along the support rail26 or within a cavity formed therein. Any elements described herein assingular can be pluralized (i.e., anything described as “one” can bemore than one), and plural elements can be used individually.Characteristics disclosed of a single variation of an element, thedevice, the methods, or combinations thereof can be used or apply forother variations, for example, dimensions, shapes, materials, orcombinations thereof. The terms “substantially,” “about,” or“approximately” are meant to mean as close to the correspondingcondition as reasonably possible, and typically not varying from it bymore than 10%, unless circumstances indicate otherwise. Any specieselement of a genus element can have the characteristics or elements ofany other species element of that genus. The term “comprising” is notmeant to be limiting. The above-described configurations, elements orcomplete assemblies and methods and their elements for carrying out theinvention, and variations of aspects of the invention can be combinedand modified with each other in any combination.

1. An apparatus for supporting a guiderail for guiding one or morearticles conveyed along a conveyor having a conveying path in aconveying direction, comprising: a support rail; and at least oneadjuster for adjusting a position of the guiderail relative to theconveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction, the atleast one adjuster comprising a collapsible support for engaging thesupport rail and supporting the guiderail, the collapsible supportadapted for being extended and retracted into the conveying path in adirection transverse to the conveying direction to selectively positionthe guiderail relative to the support rail; wherein the collapsiblesupport comprises a pair of arms connected for relative pivotingmovement at one end, and each connected to a shuttle for engaging thesupport rail at another end.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein each arm of the pair of arms is pivotably connected to aconnector, the connector including a receiver adapted for receiving aportion of the guiderail.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein theconnector includes an extension for engaging the support rail to preventthe pair of arms from reaching a locked position.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein each shuttle comprises a retainer for engaging thesupport rail.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each shuttle includesat least one roller for rotatably engaging the support rail.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, further including an actuator for actuatingmovement of the shuttles along the support rail toward each other toextend the guiderail and away from each other to retract the guiderail.8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the actuator comprises a cable, andeach shuttle comprises a clamp for clamping the shuttle to either aforward run of the cable or a return run of the cable.
 9. The apparatusof claim 7, wherein the support rail supports a pulley for guiding thecable.
 10. The apparatus of claim 7, further including a motor formoving the cable to and fro along an endless path. 11-20. (canceled) 21.An apparatus for supporting a guiderail for guiding one or more articlesbeing conveyed along a conveyor in a conveying direction along aconveying path, comprising: a support for supporting the guiderail, thesupport comprising a flexible joint for expanding and retracting in theconveying direction; wherein the support comprises a linkage; whereinthe linkage comprises first and second arms pivotally connected to aconnector for forming the flexible joint; wherein each of the first andsecond arms is adapted for translating along a support rail extending inthe conveying direction. 22-24. (canceled)
 25. The apparatus of claim21, wherein the connector is adapted for engaging the guiderail.
 26. Theapparatus of claim 21, further including an actuator for actuating thesupport to move the guiderail to and fro into the conveying path in adirection transverse to the conveying direction. 27-36. (canceled)